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Detroit Pistons: Their recent struggles and the Blake Griffin dilemma

By Bronson Hope

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 11: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to being charged with a foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 11: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to being charged with a foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Blake Griffin has had an up and down start to his career with the Detroit Pistons. A look at how they’ve played and what their options are moving forward

Back in late January, the LA Clippers sent Bake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons for Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, a first-round draft pick in 2018, and a second-round pick in 2019.

This was essentially the Clippers giving up on Blake for good, and starting a rebuild while still remaining competitive. For the Pistons, Blake Griffin’s addition with Andre Drummond brought hope and new energy to the team.

At the time of the trade, they were just outside the playoffs with a record of 23-26. As we saw with the Cavs after their trade, the team was rejuvenated with the new addition to the roster. The Pistons started out 4-0 with Blake Griffin and looked like a threatening matchup in the playoffs.

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Has Blake Griffin made a difference with the Pistons?

Since starting out 4-0, the Pistons are just 3-10 in their last 13 games. This gives Blake a 7-10 record with his new team. While he is still putting up solid numbers averaging 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds per game, the Pistons are playing the same as they were before the trade.

Every game Detroit has lost with Blake they have given up more than 100 points. Detroit’s defense has been wildly inconsistent, as well as their scoring ability. Blake’s putting up stats with not much help in losses. Sound familiar? He has made an impact, but they just haven’t been able to put together wins.

With 16 games left in the regular season, the Pistons at 30-36 currently sit five games back of the 8-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. The Pistons technically could still reach the playoffs. At this point, it’s highly unlikely and they’d need a major losing streak from one of the bottom 3 seeds.

An important factor is the fact that Reggie Jackson is still out and has been for half the season now. If Reggie Jackson was healthy, this season could have turned out much different for the Pistons. We haven’t seen Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin play together, but that’s what the Pistons might be missing.

Naturally, when any team acquires a star player like Blake Griffin there is going to be an adjustment period that comes along with it. So next season might be a better opportunity for the Pistons to make noise in the playoffs with Blake Griffin.

Offseason additions?

While the Detroit Pistons aren’t likely to land a big name free agent, there will be plenty of able help in free agency this offseason. Signing a Tyreke Evans, or Will Barton for extra scoring in addition to what Reggie Jackson will bring could propel this team to becoming a strong playoff team next year.

Detroit is in the same position the Clippers were in this season. Competitive, but don’t have a consistent second scorer and playmaker next to Blake. This could be the role Reggie Jackson fills next season, or it could be someone they sign this offseason.

Must Read: NBA Rumors: 5 Teams That LeBron James Should Consider In Free Agency

Everyone knows Blake Griffin’s abilities on the court and how talented of a player he is. Regardless, it doesn’t look good on him that the Clippers are playing some of their best basketball of the season without him and have a better chance at making the playoffs than the Pistons.

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